Dual-Layer DVD Burner Roundup

Specifications for Sony's DRU-710A DL DVD+/- R/RW Drive Was that 2.4x or 4x?

Performance: •16x DVD+R writing / 4x DVD+RW rewriting / 16x DVD+R reading •16x DVD-R writing / 4x DVD-RW rewriting / 16x DVD-R reading •48x CD-R writing / 24x CD-RW rewriting / 48x CD-ROM reading •8.5GB Dual-Layer Technology @ 2.4x •2MB internal buffer •Enhanced IDE/ATAPI interface •Buffer Underrun Protection •Horizontal and vertical operation •Supports DVD+R write speed at 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x and 16x •Supports DVD+RW write speed at 2.4x and 4x •Supports DVD+R DL write speed at 2.4x •Supports DVD-R write speed at 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, and 16x •Supports DVD-RW write speed at 1x, 2x and 4x •Supports CD-R write speed at 8x, 16x, 24x, 32x, 40x, and 48x •Supports CD-RW write speed at 4x, 10x, 16x, and 24x

Retail Package DRU-710A Drive Software quick-start guide Nero Software bundle Black replacement bezel Audio Cable Interface Cable Mounting Screws

Quality and Setup of the Sony DRU-710A DL DVD+/- R/RW Drive A Little More Of The Same

Like Plextor, Sony throws in a lot of extras with its DRU-710A dual-layer writer. The package includes a guide through Nero's software suite, operating instructions, a hardware quick-start guide, and a tutorial on replacing the front bezel with a black unit. The standard IDE interface cable, mounting screws, and software disc are all, of course, obligatory inclusions as well.

Outside of the bundled hardware, though, Sony doesn't advertise many additional drive features. It just sort-of, works. That's fine by us, as we'd rather spend time evaluating performance instead of deciphering marking speak, but it's certainly a different approach compared to most other manufacturers.

One interesting point to note is that Sony recently unveiled a new firmware for the DRU-710A that dramatically accelerates performance in dual-layer burns through an upgrade to 4x speeds. Although we had the opportunity to test that supercharged setting earlier in the month, it's only fair to mention that Sony has seemingly updated the drive's firmware once again, purportedly improving write quality and performance, but nixing the 4x DL setting (at least as far as Nero 6.6 recognizes). Perhaps Sony is trying to carve a market for its upcoming DRU-720, which officially does support 4x DVD+R DL.

Priced at $129, minus a $30 mail-in rebate, the Sony drive is a respectable buy. With the 4x DVD+R DL feature it would have been a contender for higher honors considering its leading DVD+R writing speeds, competitive CD-R performance, and thorough software bundle. We'll take the addition of 16x DVD-R in Sony's latest firmware as a valuable update, though.